Product DescriptionFully revised and updated with the latest rugby information!

For every rugby enthusiast at every level of interest

Whether you're new to rugby or a scrum veteran, this friendly guide is for you. Inside you'll find easy-to-understand explanations of the rules and positions, plus in-depth lessons on skills, fitness training, and winning techniques. Add in entertaining stories from rugby in North America and around the world, and you've got the definitive book on rugby!

Excellent overview
I fell in love with rugby while visiting New Zealand recently, but didn't really understand the sport.This book is an excellent overview and I appreciated the authors' senses of humor.An enjoyable read, and a good resource.

Great for beginners.
I'm a beginner planning to play for my college for the first time and this really helps alot. It breaks down rugby "jargon" or terms and the rules and everything are explained in a way that is very understandable.

The info is there, but it could use a nicer layout
"Rugby for Dummies" contains a lot of very valuable information on what is the greatest team sport on the planet. The authors are enthusiastic and knowledgeable, and it would be a hard man who didn't read through this book and not long to try playing.

My complaint about "Rugby for Dummies" has to do not with the authors, but with the editing and layout. It is the same complaint I would make about many of the books in the "for Dummies" series. My view is that for this book to be the truly canonical intro to rugby, it needs better graphics (including colour photos), a reduced word total (less repetition), and clearer page layouts.

As it happens, a competitor book, "Rugby Skills, Tactics, and Rules" has all of those things WIRED: great lay-out, concise, and a great collection of photos (so you get a real sense of the game in action). To me, the Ultimate Intro to Rugby Book would combine the strengths of both of these books: some of the detail and personal touches of "Rugby for Dummies", with the straightforwardness and visual appeal of "Rugby Skills".

More broadly, let me say to all those wishing to learn to play rugby, and who have never played before, that here's what you should do:

1.) Read through this book, and the "Rugby Skills, Tactics, and Rules" book I mentioned;

2.) Get Setanta Sports on your cable or satellite. It's an Irish station which broadcasts a lot of top-quality rugby matches from around the world. Many of them are on very late or early morning, so be prepared to Tivo them. Watch the games closely to get a feel for what's happening;

3.) Contact whatever rugby clubs are in your area, and ask them when their games are, and whether they have a team for newbies (usually clubs will sponsor a variety of teams in different leagues: a premier squad, a first division squad, a second division squad, and so on. The lowest squad is a less-competitive situation, where the emphasis is on learning the game, having fun, etc.).

I should mention here that rugby clubs are not like soccer or baseball teams. There is a strong social aspect to rugby which just doesn't really exist in other sports; it is probably the closest thing we have now to what our granddads had when they went to the Legion or the Elks Lodge (or, come to think of it, enlisting to fight in World War II). So what I'm saying is, that there is a very good chance that your local rugby club will be thrilled that you are interested in learning to play, and will welcome you with open arms. Pop around to a few of the games, or club functions, to see which one you most click with, and then...you can go from there.

In the off-season (spring and summer), most clubs will hold two-hand-touch scrimmages twice a week just to keep in game shape, and that is a good way to get acquainted with all the movement on the pitch. But even if the season has started, still pop around and start going to the games. If nothing else, you will start to make friends and get a feel for the game just by watching. And most rugby clubs are totally fine allowing newbies and even strangers to participate in their practices.

When it comes time to buying gear, you'll probably have to zip around online to find stuff. I find the Canterbury stuff overall the best. But the good thing is that all you really need to start playing is cleats and a cup. You can get pads, but they are all very thin, and I almost wonder if their value is psychological more than anything.

Anyway, good luck on your rugby adventures, and send me an email if you have any questions.

I hope this review helped someone.

Clear and easy to read
A very interesting book with very clear explanations and a full comprehensible vocabulary. I am not an english speaking man, but I can understand almost the whole of the text withouth effort. And this although it is a technical mate. I recommend it to everybody with interest in rugby.

If you want to know Ruby this is the book for you.
This review refers to the 2nd edition (2007).

If you have seen a few games and are lost, this is the book you want to get. It explains everything from the smallest detail to the history of the world cup. If you don't know the difference between a ruck and a maul or you have no idea what a pitch or a try is then buy this book. Everything is explained in a simple and easy to understand manner.

But then isn't that how all "for dummies" books are written? Well this one is written by people who play and know the game and have an idea how hard it can be for an American on the outside looking in to grasp the game.

I highly recommend this book for both those new to the game and those that have been just using Rugby as an excuse to pop down to the pub for a few pints.
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Product DescriptionModern rugby requires you to have speed, strength, agility, endurance, and power in order to excel. Few sports demand such diverse physical attributes, and no book so comprehensively addresses how to develop them specifically for the sport—until now!

Complete Conditioning for Rugby features first-hand insights from Dan Luger, English rugby star. Luger teams up with leading strength and conditioning coach Paul Pook to provide the very best in conditioning know-how. They present more than 120 position-specific drills and exercises that will help you excel in any match situation you will face:

· Increase speed and agility to succeed in today’s expansive game.

· Build strength to help drive in the tackle and dominate in the ruck or maul.

· Improve endurance to compete to the final whistle.

Survive the rigors of the sport and perform your best with Complete Conditioning for Rugby. You’ll find everything you need to get ahead of the pack! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Great Overview
Great detail of drills, both for indiviuals and teams.Good overview of how to bring together the overall ideas of rugby-specific fitness.But a little short on specific workout regimines.

Good for the drills alone
Some of the conditioning things are a little dated, but the sport specific drills are well worth the purchase of this book.

a must for rugby union enthusiasts
This book is excellent. It is very informative and the ilustrations are easy to understand.

Best so far
Very pleased. It's modern, cmprehensive, and sophisticated.
Excellent training programs that take a player from the ground up to full competition. Especially liked the statistics on what world class players perform on certain drills and lifts.

Complete Conditioning for Rugby
An excellent book for players and coaches alike. Luger and Cook provide drills for individual fitness training as well as multi player drills for practice. Excellent emphasis on overall fitness. A must to every player looking to improve and every coach wanting to make his players better.
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The rugby union has undergone immense change in the past two decades—introducing a World Cup, accepting professionalism, and creating a global market in players. This resource covers all of the great matches, teams, and players while also placing them in the context of the social, political, and economic changes which have affected the course of rugby's development. International in scope, this history includes not only Britain and France but also the great rugby powers of the southern hemisphere and other successful rugby nations, such as Argentina, Fiji, and Japan. Rich in anecdotes—including the story of why 1895 is the most important date in both the rugby union and rugby league history, allegations of devil worship at a Welsh rugby club, the game's contribution to the Cuban Revolution, and why the most fearsome of all New Zealand forwards was also a proficient knitter—this reference is a must-read for any fan of the oval ball.

An exhaustive work
This is an exhaustive review that provides excellent data for those rugby lovers doesn't matter their age. Truth worthy. Buy this book with confidence.

Very nice
Huw Richards's book is an engaging, and often quite funny, history of rugby union. (To my mind it is far superior to the cold and disdainful "Social History of Rugby Union", by Tony Collins.)

Richards's is a clever writer. He crams a lot of info into this little book, while still making space for enlightening anecdotes. And his love for the game shines through. A very nice read.

History at it's Best
A Game for Hooligans, brought forth a font if information on how "the game they play in Heaven" was invented and evolved to what it is today.
Huw Richards obviously put in a ton of research into this, presenting fact as fact, and fiction as fiction. He separayed the two beautifuly.
Well done Huw!
A hearty thanks.
Don Maser
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Product DescriptionThe Ultimate Guide to Weight Training for Rugby is the most comprehensive and up-to-date rugby-specific training guide in the world today. It contains descriptions and photographs of over 80 of the most effective weight training, flexibility, and abdominal exercises used by athletes worldwide. This book features year-round rugby-specific weight-training programs guaranteed to improve your performance and get you results.

No other rugby book to date has been so well designed, so easy to use, and so committed to weight training. This book will increase the players power and quickness resulting in more effectiveness in rucks and mauls. By using this program, you will make considerable gains in your strength, agility, and stamina which will result in more success in scrums and have you competing strong until the final whistle.

Both beginners and advanced athletes and weight trainers can follow this book and utilize its programs. From recreational to professional, thousands of athletes all over the world are already benefiting from this book and its techniques, and now you can too!

As an added bonus, this book also contains links to free record keeping charts which normally sell separately for $20. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

Great book!
I'm an assistant coach of a HS rugby team.We will be using these routines in the offseason.The routines definitely cover the muscle groups required to play a demanding sport such as rugby.

Concise
The book is very concise and to the point. It provides you with the information that you seek effectively.

Worthless for rugby
Basic weight training information and program, nothing you cant find for free and better online. However if you want a compact program in your hands its a good starter. Don't buy this however if you actually want to have workouts specific to your position in rugby. I've never taken a look at the other books in this series, but i suspect that the workouts are almost all the same across any of the books( ulitmate guide to... football, cycling, etc). Really not worth the money for anyone who has experience in weightlifting or is looking to scrummage better, tackle harder or have a quicker sidestep

Good on training - bad on rugby
I got this book for the off season training.

Solid general weights routine, but very little rugby specific training or 'insider knowledge'

Better and more specific training information out there to use.

Simple
this is a real meat and potatoes book, which i think is a good thing.the worst thing about reading books about excersise is hearing about stuff that you dont need to know.this book is for people who have the time and desire to go to the gym at least 4 times a week.no half-hearted efforts here.
if you follow the book's schedule YOU WILL MAKE GAINS.this i think is the key to this books effectiveness.its not the lifts that he chooses or the number of sets/reps persay- if you have been lifting for sometime, most of the concepts will be pretty commen sense.he also leaves things open for you so your lifting sessions dont get stale.
I think one word sums this book up...simplicity.everything is done for you, you just need to have to drive to do it!
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Rugby : steps to succes review...
Clear, full of coloured drawings and pictures... In one word this book is quite perfect.

Great tool but don't use alone
This book brings to light things you never thought to implement into your training. It also brings into light things that you need to remember when playing you postion on the field. It is an even better tool when yuo combine it with The complete conditioning book for rugby. With these two tools in your hand you will improve your over all rugby skills and performance greatly. Even if your just a pickup game player there are things you can learn from these tools, and if you play for your local RFC or college this book will give you at least three steps up from your current performance.

The Single Best Book of Its Kind
Especially if you are just starting to learn to play rugby, this is the single best book to get. It covers the laws, core skills, offensive and defensive strategies, training, basically everything you need to know, and is laid out perfectly, with engaging, illuminating graphics. It manages to cover everything while being fairly concise and properly sequenced. Indispensable for beginning and intermediate rugby players wishing to improve.

Sticking to the Basics
This book is great for rugby players of all levels and positions. The chapters are well laid out and offer general instruction and then move on to skills sessions in varying degrees of difficulty. The book gives a great overview on the basics of the game, and winning rugby is all about sticking to the basics.

Rugby: Steps to Success
This book is incredibly organized.It begins with basic skills, includes drills, troubleshooting in the drills, mistakes usually made, how to correct them, and how to tell if you're doing things right.Each chapterbuilds on what is learned before and gets into more and more complex tasks. It's almost like having a coach right there with you.I highly recommendit for any rubgy captain, coach or player.
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Played for at least two centuries, with roots stretching back into the Middle Ages, rugby remains a rough sport played by rugged men. Nearly 300 remarkable black-and-white photographs present the early days of the sport as most have never seen it. Images capture supporters making their way to the match, field workers preparing the pitch, action shots of such legendary players as Bill Beaumont and Cec Ryan, and teams including South Africa's famed Springboks. Both amateur and professional rugby is featured, with photographs documenting the frenzied tries and brutal scrums, as well as famed stadiums including England's Wembley and Leytonstone.

Black and white glory
Classic rugby in black and white, large format filmglory!

This is a great photo book. It's interesting to see how the game used to look: twentysomething men in tweed suits, often smoking pipes, with hair styles that suggest one's grandfather. They hold huge rugby balls, wear huge shorts and long socks. They don't appear anywhere as fit and muscular as today's pros, but they were stroppy, tough and admirable men... rugby just doesn't look like this anymore.

You also get images of some of the greats: Napier, Wakefield, Prince Obolensky, etc. I once wrote an article about some of the old school ruggers depicted in this excellent coffee table book - [...] - read it and you'll get a taste for the content in this book.

Tennant mentions that in the photographic era before modern digital photography the game was depicted differently than today; you can certainly see this in the photos in this book, and it's fascinating.

Qualified recommendation: my wife only paid $[...] for it, not the $[...] plus I see right now. Not sure it's worth more than $[...]...

Classic rugby pics
What a better gift to offer in Rugby World Cup Year? Great pics that take you back to the days of the glorious amateur sport of rugby football. The communal baths were all the players would bathe after the game, the muddy pitches with any signs of grass, etc. etc. This is the sole high level sport that resisted the calls of professionalism into the last decade of the 20th century. Enjoy the Rugby World Cup, the world's third biggest sporting event!

Fantastic Book
If you love rugby you will love this book.It is a coffee table tome full of fantastic photos from the 1800s to the 1980's.These are not mainly photos of match action, but cover the ethos and spirit of the sport with sensitivity, artistic value, and imagination.For its size and content, this book is a great value.A must!

Good rugby book
This is a great coffee table book, filled with pictures you might not otherwise see. It shows the rugby that most of us as players know- having to work a real job, deal with the home life and the kids before lacing them up on Saturday afternoons.
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Rugby is the fastest-growing contact sport in North America. This hard-hitting game, long popular at college campuses, is now being played at high schools and community parks.

The new edition of the best-selling Rugby Skills, Tactics and Rules presents the latest information on all aspects of the game, along with an updated list of useful addresses. The book also features exciting images from the 2007 World Cup, including expert captions that describe the very latest skills and tactics used at the highest level.

Features include:

All the tactics and skills of the game at every level -- for beginners, experienced players and coaches

Over 150 color photographs with captions explaining player positions and strategies

Basic and specialized skills

Coaching, including training, team patterns and motivation

The rules and laws of the game, including playing field dimensions

Fascinating trivia and amusing stories from around the world.

Rugby Skills, Tactics and Rules is packed with superb, full-color action photographs of the sport's greatest players in action. Complete with glossary, a rules section, updated addresses and websites, this book has everything a player, coach or fan needs to enjoy the game.

Great for Rugby Moms too!
As a new "rugby mom" this book was very helpful.When my son started playing rugby his senior year in high school,I knew absolutely nothing about the game.This book has been a useful tool in helping me learn and understand the game.I now know it is wrong to call the Line Out the "Cheerleading lift thingy"!
Seriously, the color pictures are very helpful and as was stated in previous reveiws the text is geared towards beginners to the game.
Our only regret with rugby is that my son didn't discover it sooner!I absolutely love the game and look forward to watching his college career in rugby.His younger brothers have also taken up the sport so we are in for the long haul.
As a previous reviewer said, rugby has a very social aspect.I love the traditions surrounding the game and the comraderie I have seen among players and their families is like nothing I have experienced in other sportsthat my sons have played. It truly is a brotherhood.

Great for players just starting out
"Rugby Skills, Tactics, and Rules" is a nice introduction to the great sport of rugby. It is concise, well-illustrated and laid out, and manages to convey the excitement of playing and watching the sport.

As noted on here by other reviewers, this is not really the book to get if you're already familiar with the sport and are looking for detailed guidance on things like coaching strategies, training, or taking your game to the next level. It's the kind of book you'd buy for someone who was interested in starting to play, but who didn't really know anything about the sport. However, while this book is nice, I must say that by far the best book to get for someone who wants to learn how to play is Tony Biscombe's "Rugby: Steps to Success".

Good luck on your rugby adventure.

Phenomenon book
So far i have found all the little details i needed to know about the game. Easy to follow presentation too, two thumbs way up.

pretty book, but...
lots of nice colour pictures, but a little basic for all but the absolute beginner.

great introduction for beginners
I play Rugby and this is a good book for someone ne to the game. It explains quite clearly the different tactics for different positions and has good photographs to show you It's really helpful for beginners of any age.
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The British and Irish Lions are one of the most famous and recognized teams in world rugby. Every four years, the Lions—selected from the national sides of England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland—head to the southern hemisphere to do battle with either New Zealand, Australia, or South Africa. Acclaimed sportswriter Jeff Connor interviews a host of players—from the oldest surviving Lions from the 1946 tour and the icons of the game to those who have become mere footnotes in history—and draws out the compelling human stories from each Test series. The ups and downs of tour life are captured—the pride of being a Lion, the numerous personal feuds, and the many humorous anecdotes, taking in the historic wins and the ignoble losses. Many Lions had their lives enriched by having worn the famous red jersey; an equal number had their lives changed irrevocably in the opposite direction. Full of previously unchronicled stories—Des O’Brien was away from home for nine months on the 1946 tour which almost cost him his marriage; while in 1966 one well-known English winger went off tour with a woman he met in a bar and reappeared only for the last two matches—the book will conclude with the disastrous 2005 New Zealand tour and trenchant opinions from the players on the controversial Clive Woodward. Thanks to a host of amusing and heartbreaking anecdotes about life with the Lions, the book will offer a fascinating insight into how touring, sport and life has changed in the last 60 years.

The way the story was always meant to be told
Once Were Lions is not the complete and unabashed history of the Lions.It does not give you point for point descriptions of each match.If that is what you seek, then look elsewhere.This is the story of the men who are known today and will for all time bear the title of Lions.Written in a style which truly draws the reader in and divided into sensible chapters, the stories of the men come to life.The authors expose the humanity in men who seem nothing less than demigods.From the story of the gallantry of these heroes both on the field of play as well as the field of battle to the tragedies that have cost at least one of these men his very mind and body, the book and authors never lose sight of the glory and prestige that goes into the lions.Many of the books of rugby that fill the shelves of stores are no more than cookie cutter autobiographies.This is a work that is fit for the ages.
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Odd-Shaped Balls captures the humor, the agony, and the ecstasy of one of the world's most popular sports, rugby. The book is no less than a who's who of the game, with both old and young getting the opportunity to have their say. It looks at players such as Max Boyce, Keith Wood, Sean Fitzpatrick, Austin Healy, and Bill Beaumont and his streaker. All exponents of surrealism, comic genius, and savage wit, they offer a quirky insight into the sporting psyche as well as provide some riotous good laughs. With hundreds of funny stories, Odd-Shaped Balls is a light-hearted romp through decades of rugby tomfoolery that is guaranteed to put a smile on the face of all sports fans.

Product DescriptionMy Dad The Rugby Player is a picture book thatintroduces basic rugby rules to children. The book is colorfullyillustrated with both drawings and photographs. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Rugby Fan
I became interested in the game a few years back and this was reaffirmed with a visit to Ireland during the World Cup for rugby.the enthusiasm was incredible.This book sheds light on the basics of the game so you can follow the action during the match.Also is good for reading to toddlers.

A rugby primer
It's a beginning kids book for a serious and interesting sport.From the pitch to the post game songs this book covers the basics of Rugby with bright, colorful, humourous and accurate illustrations. It's good to see Rugby portrayed as something to take pride in, not just a folly.

Adorable
This book is really cute. My dad, my older brother and I all play rugby and this was a perfect gift for my little brother. It really shows a lot of the rules and even the social aspect of the game. And it's well illustrated.

Rugby Dad is a fun book!
I recently bought "My dad the rugby player" for my daughter. She thought the pictures were nice. I enjoyed the clear explanation of the game of rugby. It was nice to have a book that featured families enjoying time at the rugby pitch.

Enjoyable for little kids
As an ex-player and current referee I found this book a pretty accurate description of rugby. The pictures and graphics are great. My two year old enjoys having me read it to him. I am sure most little kids would too.
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Dublin boy Brian O’Driscoll is an internationally admired rugby player and an Irish hero. Educated at Blackrock College, the alma mater of many Irish greats, his ambition was always to represent his country. After helping his country win the IRB under-19 World Championship and progressing through the under-21 ranks, O’Driscoll finally realised his dream of representing his beloved Ireland at the senior level. Making his debut against Australia at the tender age of 20—before he’d even made his senior club debut for Leinster—O’Driscoll went on to establish himself as one of the top outside centers in the game. Made captain of his country in 2003, O’Driscoll’s phenomenal record includes consecutive triple crowns in 2006 and 2007 and the RBS Six Nations player of the tournament for 2006 and 2007. His exemplary leadership skills and bravery saw him achieve the ultimate accolade for a home nations’ player: captaining the Lions for their 2005 tour of New Zealand. But his tour was to be cut short in a storm in acrimony and agony when his shoulder dislocated after a dangerous tackle. Nicknamed BOD by the Croke Park faithful—and in BOD they certainly do trust—Brian O’Driscoll is a true colossus of the game. This is the definitive portrait of the Irish legend.

Formulaic but worth a read
The book itself is, as you may well expect, a rather cookie-cutter style autobiography.The writing is not of a high quality and much of the book is filler by having unnecessarily complex details of individual matches.The book uses large print to expand itself to 200+ pages but in reality is probably right around 100 pages of normal quality text.The book was clearly produced to capitalize on the valuable product that is Brian O'Driscoll.That said, it is well worth the read for any fan of the man who is debatably Ireland's greatest Rugby Union player.As a fan of Leinster, Irish rugby, rugby as a whole, or even just of interesting people you ought to give this book a read.
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Product DescriptionRugby, the family's beloved Labrador retriever, finds himself unhappy with the new house guest, Rosie, a puppy brought home to be trained as a guide dog, but they soon become the closest of friends, until she has to leave to do the important work for which she is trained. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Read it to my kids!
As someone who is both a medical professional and a father, I found this story to be a wonderful one to share with my children.
They know that daddy is training a Therapy Dog to help his patients, so this book was particularly wonderful for them!
Enjoy and have tissues nearby (for yourself!)
Be well,
Dr. Ferraioli
www.drferraioli.com

Heart stopping story of loving enough to give up
A wonderful story w/ beautiful illustrations. Childeren of all ages will enjoy this story of a young boy and his family and the love they share w/ a puppy to raise and send it on to be the best friend and companion a blind person can ever have.

You can't fail to be touched
I take issue with the School Library Journal review: "The flat declarative sentences...do not evoke emotion or drama". WRONG! I, a former declared dog-hater, received this book as a gift for my kids. Not only have I read it dozens of times and it has not once failed to make me cry, but it inspired me to adopt a retired Labrador guide dog! This is one of my favorite children's books of all time.

I loved it!!!!!!
From a puppy raiser, this book it very faithful to the puppy raising experience.It describes, perfectly, all the emotions involved with this process.

educational and informative...
Rugby and Rosie is a well-done children's book that helps explain the important elements of raising a guide dog puppy.I have read this book aloud to a fourth grade class.The story created good dialog and the children learned about how dogs can help those with disabilities.
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Blending simple physics with anecdotes from the world of rugby, this informative reference demonstrates how to improve rugby techniques. Tackling, passing, running, and kicking are analyzed from a scientific perspective, incorporating Newton’s Laws, and then discussed in the wider context of the game. This valuable guide will not only instruct but also entertain sports-oriented students of all levels.

The physics of Rugby
It applies the rules and principles of physics to the sport of Rugby, but did not meet my high expectations set by The Physics of Baseball. Nonetheless, an entertaining read.
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Rugby Jones had it all. Top dog on a beautiful Pennsylvania horse farm, keeping the cat and dogs in line, helping his human mom Claudia with the horses — rascally Rugby lived the quintessential dog’s life. Until that tragic day when another dog injured him beyond repair. Rugby Jones was paralyzed, his lower back ruined; put him out of his misery, everyone said. But Claudia refused to accept common wisdom. She knew Rugby Jones had the will and courage to overcome. If they both worked hard together — the way they always did — Claudia and Rugby would find a way for him to walk again. Written in Rugby Jones’ lovably cocky six year-old voice, The "Tail" of Rugby Jones will captivate children and adults alike with its message of:

- hope in a hopeless circumstance- courage to be different in a “let’s be alike” world- determination to take the "dis” out of disability- unexpected trust that comes from unconditional love

“Rugby Jones is indeed an inspiring and motivating dog! He teaches us that life is what we make it, and it has nothing to do with disability. I love his “can-do” attitude. He is a great example that everyone should follow. So, live life to the fullest and never give up, no matter what.”—Gloson Teh, 11 year-old Malaysian author of Creative and Funny Poetry For Kids ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

A Little Courage Goes A Long Way
This little book has a big message for kids who have a disability of some kind. It's an encouragement to find the positives in life and keep moving forward and it also helps disabled kids look at their circumstances in a different way.

I visited the Rugby Jones website and discovered that this courageous little dog has an anti-bullying campaign which he and author Claudia Broome are aiming at school kids and their parents. Rugby Jones has a powerful message -- Bravo, Rugby!

Speech and Language Pathologist
This book has proven to be engaging for the 1-4 grade population. I work with many children with Autism, Aspergers, Developmental Delay, Learning disabled etc. This book gets at social pragmatic issues from a dog's perspective. Children love animals and can easily relate to Rugby Jones. One of my very rigid, flat affect type students, actually smiled and commented actively while we read the book together.

Edie Sullivan

A Tale of Courage!
I purchased one book for the first granddaughter for Christmas, and I am going to purchase a second for another. In 1988 I was disabled in an auto accident and told I would never walk again. Two years later, I walked into a community college to be retrained using a cane. My two girls were very young then so the grand kids have no idea what grandma, nor their moms went through. The gift of Rugby Jones will help us open the door to telling our tale.

Rugby Jones is a tale of courage that surpasses the boundaries of the so called "human spirit". Rugby's story shows us that any being can overcome obstacles - it's not a specific 'human' trait.

The courage Rugby shows in his "Tail" teaches young and old that a disability is only a disability if you make it one.

Of course, I have an attachment to the story because Rugby has managed to put into words my story - my struggle - and yes, my courage. Rugby's story is a personal one for me and I believe that it should be shared with everyone.

Rugby Jones deserves an award for courage and tenacity. He has truly shown us that when there is a will, there is a way and that nothing is impossible unless you choose to make it so.

This heartwarming tale about one loving and carefree pooch's journey to find freedom again affects young and old, healthy and sick alike. It's impossible to read this book and not be affected and touched by his tale of courage told with humor and a zest for life that is unmistakable Rugby!

A must read!

Touching Story for all Ages
The Tail of Rugby Jones is very touching story that will appeal to all age groups. It's a story of an amazing little dog that faces adversity and overcomes it with its tail wagging.
The book is a quick read, and well worth your time.I would encourage everyone to read this book. We all face life's challenges, and this book will make you smile while providing strength and encouragement.

Thank you!
Thank you all so much for your comments. I am really appreciative that you took the time to share your opinions. Please pass the word about Rugby Jones and his journey. The stuffed Rugby dog will soon be available.
Claudia Broome
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Product DescriptionThink Rugby is a systems book that gets both coach and player working more productively: the coach, through a wealth of practical advice on keeping sessions fresh and purposeful the player, through tried and tested methods of improving tactical decision-making to enhance whole-team possession the team, through focusing on dynamic attack in the forwards and effective positioning in the backs. Written by one of Rugby Union's most respected coaches and thinkers, Think Rugby is a classic manual, now in its fourth edition, which continues to influence coaching strategy the world over. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Rugby as chess
With 38 years of rugby experience & a fairly extensive print reference collection, I rate this insightful work from Jim Greenwood as tops. Anyone who can view the strategic considerations in a rugby match as similar to the thought processes needed in a chess match will find delight here, Greenwood's earlier work Total Rugby is likewise, though more in a technical skills manner. Think Rugby brings the mental aspects of the game to the forefront. Physical prowess is valuable, but experience & conscious decision making can make all the difference. Opportunities are limited in any match and knowing how to capture the most & waste the least is what you want for your side. This book can take you there!

THINK Rugby
I'm only part way through this book, but so far it's been great.I have a hard time slowing the game down in my head during play and analyzing what's going on.This book has helped me to relax a bit, take my time, and think about what the other team is doing and what I should be doing to beat them.Overall, great book.Can't wait to finish it now.

Awsome Resource
Thing Rugby is am amazing book for any coach, player or even fan of rugby. It will help you develop as a player or coach. This is a resource no team should be without. One of it's primary focus's is to help you learn to think and play as a team, from the coach down to the reserves. Definitely a must read for any Rugby Enthusiast.

Very deep- expands your mental strength of the game.
Mr. Greenwood went into great detail about the Tactical Decision Making that goes on during a match. Not only does this book expand a players thinking capability on the pitch, but many of the methods of thinking canbe used off the pitch. Do not buy to help out your physical game, but yourmental game.
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Strength & Speed Training for Athletes
Excellent information on strength & speed development for the contact athlete......however there is no particular info that pertains to rugby itself. There is no specific exercise or training for front row, locks,etc.just a well rounded and generic strength training manual
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In 1995 rugby union finally became a professional sport following more than a century as an amateur game. This book offers a critical analysis of the sport in the professional era and assesses the relationship between the local and the global in contemporary rugby union.

Product DescriptionHOW TO PLAY RUGBY MY WAY is a practical, highly illustrated, hands-on instruction manual in which Jonny reveals and explains in detail the skills and expert techniques that have made him one of the worlds greatest rugby players. Aimed at teenagers who already know the basics, but equally applicable to adults who want to refine their skills, Jonny will cover topics such as tackling, kicking, passing and running with the ball. Jonny will also offer advice and tips on the broader aspects of the game, including health, positive-thinking, tactics, exercise and diet. ... Read more

Rugby fans will delight in this extraordinary collection of astonishing but true stories from the past 130 years, which reveal a bizarre and hitherto uncelebrated side to the sport. Here you'll find, among many other bizarre events, the Irish international who arranged his marriage in order to play against England, the match in which a team of top soccer players beat their rugby counterparts at their own game, the riotous encounter that meant that particular fixture was subsequently abandoned for seven years, the international match in which an entire Wales side were sent off, and the unknown player who was capped for his country due to an administrative mistake. Rugby's Strangest Matches is a fascinating compendium that is sure to amuse and entertain.

interesting, but not necessarily strange
What you get here are about 150 anecdotal accounts of rugby matches over the past 130 or so years.Many are interesting, some are quirky, some are humorous, but others are rather forgettable.The descriptions run anywhere from 5-6 lines to several pages.You can read about a match where father and son both played, a match with brothers on opposite sides, things of that nature.These you might not find all that strange.

On the other hand, however, are accounts of matches where the referee clearly was unfamiliar with the rules--an example being where a referee called a player offsides for holding the ball for a kicker on a very windy day.Scoring rules have undergone many changes, and there have been matches where confusion abounded about points being scored.There are tales that rival Mike Tyson's famous in-match dining habits ("The battle of Waldron's ear").You'll also read about the player whose shorts were mostly torn off during a tackle attempt--and be reminded that play definitely doesn't stop in that event.So there's a lot of good material here--evn though some of the stories are not as interesting.
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